In this readable and thought-provoking history of bisexuality in the classical age, Eva Cantarella draws on the full range of sources--from legal texts, inscriptions, and medical documents to poetry and philosophical literature--to reconstruct and compare the bisexual cultures of Athens and Rome.
Reviews of the earlier edition:
"Cantarella presents the ancient evidence in a straightforward fashion, draws insightful comparisons between heterosexuality and homosexuality, and elucidates the larger cultural context of erotic experience. With its wide scope the book speaks to the classicist, the layman with an interest in antiquity, the student of sexuality, and even to the unabashed seeker of piquant anecdotes." --John F. Makowski, Classical Journal
"An important study that is destined to take its place next to the classic works of Foucault and Pomeroy." --Alan Mendelson, History: Reviews of New Books
"Offers a valuable, close-in reassessment of intricate evidence, freshly researched, readable, and open-minded." --Alan Sinfield, Gay Times
"This is a book I recommend for all students of sexology."--Milton Diamond, Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality
"Easily the best book on the topic." --John Buckler, Historian